Psychotherapy is both a science and an art, subsequently, its success relies on the therapist's understanding of an array of clinical skills and approaches as well as the ability of the client and therapist to develop shape and form in the therapeutic relationship.  

 

My clinical training was focused on a type of Cognitive Therapy called Rational-Emotive Therapy (RET).  RET was developed by a psychologist named Albert Ellis and treats both how the client interprets events in their lives and how they tolerate uncomfortable feelings often arising from their interpretations.   In this way, RET is a "two-pronged approach to therapy, taking into account how a client makes sense of his or her world and the feelings which emanate from those cognitions.   In extended psychotherapy, we can explore and work on a better understanding of the origins these interpretations which will frequently reveal themselves in themes and patterns.

 

The art of therapy involves the numerous and unique variables present whenever two or more people come together in a relationship.  Each relationship is different and unpredictable.  It involves moments of spontaneity and improvisation which can change the course of therapy throughout the relationship.  To apply a standard manual or workbook to the therapeutic relationship wouldn't honor the unique variables inherent in human relationships.  The art of therapy is about understanding the unique shapes and forms which arise in the therapeutic relationship and how these shapes and forms might apply to the client's experience of life outside of the therapy hour.

 

Each individual therapist's interaction style will reside somewhere on a spectrum between passive listening and active talking.   I find that the place the therapist is on this spectrum is very important to each client.  I believe I am more on the active side as a therapist once therapy has progressed from the initial assessment period.